WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, United States Representative Bennie G.
Thompson (D-MS) commented on the screening process for Syrian refugees
seeking to enter the United States.
“The United States has a
multi-layered system that vets people seeking to enter the country as
refugees. This vetting process takes on average between 18 and 24
months. An individual seeking refugee
status in the U.S. cannot step foot in the country until the Department
of Homeland Security has made a determination of admissibility, having
applied our Federal prioritization criteria and subjected the applicant
to extensive biometric and biographic checks, multiple in-person
interviews, and medical screenings.
While concern about the risks associated with unknown persons in
refugee populations is understandable, particularly in the wake of last
week’s heinous attacks in Paris, we must not lose sight of the fact that
three quarters of the refugee population are women and children and the
U.S. government will be highly selective about which applicants it
approves. Providing safe harbor to individuals who no longer have a
home because war and violence is the humane – and American - thing to
do.”
